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“Conflict is not a problem that needs solving but a phenomenon that needs understanding.” Dominic Barter
Restorative Justice is an approach developed from concepts of ‘Reintegration’ and ‘Reparation’, from practices originating with Indigenous peoples in America (Hewitt, 2016). This method diverges from punitive approaches to conflict and harm, which have been shown to do little to address or prevent offending/disruptive behavior (Singla, 2024).
Maintaining social connections
Understanding and taking accountability for one’s actions
Making amends for the harm one has caused
The ability to recover from adversity
Adverse childhood experiences, combined with a lack of understanding around how to face conflict, can lead young people to exhibit dysregulated and disruptive behaviors (Trinidad, 2021). Without intervention, a perpetual cycle is created of unmet needs and extended harms.
Restorative approaches in school settings have demonstrated better outcomes for students, with reduced disruptions, lesser time spent removed from classrooms, improved student-teacher relationships as well as attainment (Archibold, 2014; Carlson, 2019 ).
For young offenders, Restorative Justice has been firmly established as a more effective method of reducing recidivism and satisfying victims (Bouffard et al, 2017). Restorative Justice posits benefits not only to victims and offenders but also to society as funds required for maintained incarceration can be redirected to Restorative and Early Intervention projects (Barrow Cadbury Trust, 2009).
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